There are so many things to think about when preparing for your child’s first day in kindergarten. Here are some tips on questions to ask, reading, social and personal readiness, and finding teachable moments with your child.
Kindergarten is a fun and exciting experience for you and your child. He gets to feel BIG for the first time. She gets to ride the school bus. There's a flurry of joyous preparation including the thrill of the first backpack and the anticipation of getting to have homework for the first time. Whether you’re the type that wants to hold onto your baby forever or the type that’s pushing him out the door, it’s inevitable. Kindergarten happens. Here are some tips to prepare the way.
Ask the Right Questions
Do a little legwork to make the entry easier for your family and your child. Let the school and teacher know if your child has special needs, such as medication. If your religion prohibits your child’s participation in something, be up-front about it. Some questions you need to ask the school are:
Where can I find a school calendar?
Do kindergartners get report cards?
What grading system do you use?
Is there any testing for kindergartners? What type, and when is it administered?
How does busing work?
Then move on to your child’s teacher. Some questions to ask are:
What supplies will my child need? Should everything be labeled with his/her name?
How will I know when something (such as pencils) needs replenishing?
Do you need volunteers? How can I be involved?
Are there field trips? If I volunteer to go, can I bring a younger sibling?
How is lunch handled?
Is there snack time? Rest time?
If my child misses a day, is there make-up work?
How are birthdays celebrated?
What methods of discipline do you use?
What is your preferred method of communication? Notes? Phone calls? Email?